Battlin’ Bear Oliver Gore: Advantage RMC

Oliver Gore tears up the fields at Rocky Mountain College.

The soccer fields, that is. The Stafford, England native had an impressive freshman year. He averaged 1.07 goals per game and received the NSCAA National Soccer Award – all-region and all-conference – during his first season with the RMC Battlin’ Bears.

For as long as he can remember, Oliver’s played soccer.

“I love everything about it: the socializing, meeting new people, and the competitiveness,” he says. “I am a very competitive person.”

When seeking a college, Oliver knew soccer would be a top priority. He engaged an international recruiting service to help him find an institution that fit his academic needs and his soccer wishes.

“I got a nice offer from RMC, and my parents encouraged me to come and see the world, as well as starting someplace new.”

Coming to a new country and a new school sight unseen was risky, and life in Montana was much different than Oliver expected.

“Back home we play soccer from August to May,” he says. “The season here runs from August until the end of November, so that was an adjustment.”

Having several other international students on the team, however, has helped Oliver’s transition. Of 19 players, 10 are from other countries: five from England, one from Scotland, three from Sweden, and one from Ireland. Not to mention, RMC soccer coach Richard Duffy, who is from Glasgow, Scotland.

Oliver’s first year wasn’t all studying and playing soccer though. He explored the Crazy Mountains, camped, rock-climbed, and went sledding in Yellowstone National Park.

He also volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club with the Futebol de Salao program started by RMC Professor Paul Roper, which encourages physical and emotional development for local kids.

Oliver also volunteers his time coaching with the Billings Magic City Soccer Club. During his time coaching with Magic City last year, he met Dr. Steven Klepps, who offered to host Oliver this year.

“They are a really nice family,” Oliver says. “I’m looking forward to being back in a family environment. I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

Coming to RMC was a leap of faith for Oliver, but with two years left, the positive experiences will continue.

“Everyone knows each other and everyone is so friendly. The professors are very helpful. You get to know them well, which is a really good thing. It means you have a better chance of doing well at this school. There are so many opportunities and things you can do.”